Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, could I explain my vote also? >> Um, could I explain my vote also?
• House Bill 10, as amended by the committee substitute, passes with 16 yes votes and four pass votes.
• House Bill 456 passes unanimously, 19 yes votes, zero no votes. >> yes. >> yes.
• >> Didn't we vote on this last year? >> Didn't we vote on this last year?
• House Bill 480 passes with 19 yes votes, zero no votes, with favorable expression.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22 Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47 Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met and first considered House Bill 10, sponsored by Rep. Hodgson, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill was described as a transition-period ethics and accountability measure for statewide executive offices. It would require preservation of certain records such as emails and texts related to appointments, permits, pardons, contracts, and settlements; create whistleblower immunity for people providing credible evidence of wrongdoing; add extra review for large settlements and certain no-bid contracts; and extend probation periods for some employees who move back into merit positions near an administration change. Members raised concerns about constitutional issues, the Attorney General’s role, the whistleblower immunity provision, and the impact on merit-system employees and subject-matter experts. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed the committee 16-0 with four members passing, and a title amendment was also adopted. The committee then took up House Bill 456, sponsored by Rep. Freeland and presented with Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber. The bill would designate the fourth week of September as Unclaimed Property Week, remove the requirement that the state treasurer live in Franklin County, allow mineral proceeds such as unpaid royalties to be reported as unclaimed property, and require more complete reporting information from holders. Supporters said the changes would help publicize unclaimed property and improve the return of funds to Kentuckians, noting that the office has returned about $88 million so far. Questions focused on why the residency requirement existed, whether the new week would limit claims, and whether the bill treated all constitutional officers consistently. The sponsor said the week was only promotional and claims could still be filed year-round. During discussion of House Bill 456, the chair asked the sponsor to look into a past $250,000 embezzlement reference mentioned in debate. The bill was then put to a roll call vote and passed the committee with 16 yes votes and four pass votes, and the committee moved a title amendment as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR THOSE REASONS I URGE THE COMMITTEE TO VOTE NO ON ADVANCING HB 4027.
• WHEN WHY AND IF THEY DON'T THEY WILL VOTE ANOTHER WAY.
• GIVE THE PEOPLE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTED UP OR DOWN.
• GUESS WHAT, IF THEY DON'T WANT IT THEY CAN VOTE NO.
• INCLUDING RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
• FIVE-MINUTE VOTE.
• VOTE THE YEAS ARE 324.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >>Chair Anderson: HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SYSTEMS WILL COME TO ORDER.
• IF WE IMPORT CITRATE SYSTEM HERE AND THROUGH A STATE-BASED PRICE CONTROL SYSTEM WE WOULD HAVE SIMILAR
• THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG SYSTEM OPERATES SORT OF LIKE THE MAFIA.
• AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE VOTE UP ON THIS BILL, I COMMEND MY FRIEND REP.
• LET EVERYBODY VOTE ON THIS BILL TODAY, ALL MY COLLEAGUES NEED TO VOTE UP ON THIS BILL.

Transcript Highlights:

• HVAC systems, parking facilities, technology, equipment, software, IT, streets drainage and sewer systems
• We think that's an example of the system working.
• It was voted.
• Responsive HR departments and payroll systems.
• Memorial Herman Health Systems use us as a vendor for their employees after extensive vetting and systems

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair votes I pass as is. Is 96 correct? 96 to pass as unamended. Yes. Chair votes I.
• Vice chair votes I. Senator Fukuna, I. Vice chair votes I.
• instead of GM voting voting sheets instead of GM voting sheets sheets sheets okay<00:52:11.839> you
• c> just okay so chair votes I votes I vice just okay so chair votes I votes I vice chair<00:52:20.240
• chair votes I. Senator Fukunaga hi. chair votes I. Senator Fukunaga hi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mueller votes Representative Mueller. Mueller votes yes. yes. yes.
• The idea is let's take these system.
• <01:02:12.760> on to make sure that we take a vote on to make sure that we take a vote on
• They have their system in place.
• <01:06:39.760> And trying to make a system better. And trying to make a system better.

Bills: HF3843, HF3597, HF4003, HF3167, HF4193

Keywords: workforce development, appropriations, nonprofit organizations, employment services, state funding, paid leave, S corporations, employment law, exemptions, Minnesota Statutes, cancer, healthcare, appropriation, Rural Cancer Institute, Minnesota clinicians, pilot program, nursing, education, University of Minnesota, equity

Transcript Highlights:

• we have a bifurcated judicial system we have a bifurcated judicial system we have a bifurcated system
• clerk lock machine record vote 73 vote clerk lock machine record vote 73 hour 29 nay the BR has been
• I'm voting my cons I've been vote I'm voting my cons I've been vote I'm voting my cons I've been through
• all the members vote all the members voted cler AR machine record to vote 78 voted cler AR machine record
• cler lock machine record to vote 68 vote cler lock machine record to vote 68 I 21 n BR has been I 21

Bills: HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• >> That's a recorded vote. >> That's a recorded vote.
• Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as five-minute votes.
• votes will be conducted as fiveinut<06:06:00.320> votes.
• fiveinut votes. fiveinut votes.
• We built our Social Security system. We built our Medicare system.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to voting for it.
• Democrats will vote against this again, Republicans will vote for it.
• What this system has done, we see more in our, when I say system, I'm talking about the public school
• system, the charter school system, and any other system. of education that's been established in this
• Those that are voting no today would not vote yes. Those aren't genuine.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, CS for SB 556 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, CS for SB 794 is reported. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, member.
• I believe that the changes that occur, to fix a broken system.
• My name is Christy Lee, and I worked in Florida's foster care system for 19 years.
• Senator, wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today.

Bills: S0556, S0794, S1600

Keywords: high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge your systems, and our future.
• encourage a green vote today. Thank you. encourage a green vote today. Thank you.
• So, members, please vote green.
• members, please vote green. members, please vote green.
• uh we're not not saying the system uh we're not not saying the system should<00:38:39.280> be

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, vote and have their votes counted.
• If not, the vote, explain their vote.
• vote? vote?
• change their vote, explain their vote? change their vote, explain their vote?
• <02:26:00.480> If their vote or explain their vote? If their vote or explain their vote?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery. In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, CS for SB 1180 is reported favorably.
• , which is compatible with existing alert systems.
• Our current system only penalizes with misdemeanor charges for buyers for the first time. and system
• So please vote down this bill and let's live, please. Thank you.
• By your vote, yes.

Summary: The committee took up a full agenda of criminal justice and related bills, beginning with SB 1180 on AI-generated sexual images. Senator Gates explained the bill was prompted by an Escambia County case involving deepfake pornography created from images of teenage girls, and a student victim testified in support. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Members then approved SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and related training for missing children with autism; SB 726, making swatting offenders liable for prosecution, investigation, and restitution costs; and SB 494, which would create a statewide animal abuse database, after extensive support testimony from shelters, law enforcement, and animal welfare advocates. SB 964, revising objective parole guidelines to account for rehabilitation and program participation, also passed after testimony from supporters of parole reform and compassionate release. The committee next approved SB 1344, a juvenile justice cleanup bill with a delete-all amendment that updated truancy, CINS, detention risk assessment, and other juvenile justice provisions. SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles, was reported favorably after limited opposition and support from law enforcement-related groups. SB 1136, increasing penalties for offenses involving minors and clarifying that ignorance of a victim’s age is not a defense, also passed after testimony from law enforcement supporters and two speakers opposed. SB 1660, on prostitution, drew the most extensive public comment: the sponsor said it was intended to distinguish trafficking victims from willing participants and shift penalties toward buyers and facilitators, while survivors, prosecutors, and advocates debated whether the substitute amendment would improperly criminalize prostituted persons; the committee ultimately adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved SB 1828, making trespass at large ticketed events and certain secured locations a felony, with discussion focused on crowd control and public safety at major events. SB 1386, increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers and adding propane workers through an amendment, passed with broad support. SB 612, closing a loophole so minors who distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl can be charged with murder in certain cases, was reported favorably after testimony from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and opposition from civil liberties groups. SB 814, which would allow firearms on college campuses and at school-sponsored events, drew strong opposition from students and faculty and was reported unfavorably. Finally, the committee began SB 1604 on corrections with a delete-all amendment that addressed filing deadlines for DOC-related claims, execution-method language, tracking devices, involuntary treatment, and parole-related statutory cleanup; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask you to vote no on SB 1632 or amend it to require me Respectfully, I ask you to vote
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• We have a governor, legislature, and court system, Supreme Court system, that are all the same party.
• I've voted for other public records in the past, but I will vote out of committee today.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all members voted who wish to do so. Have all members voted who wish to do so?
• There is a vote. I ask that it be a vote of the yeas and nays. Mr.
• Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting has expired.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters. The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth. The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I respectfully ask for an I vote on SB 73.
• or any part of the system.
• Federal agencies have every right and duty to inspect voting systems used in federal elections to ensure
• After the fact, after the vote happened.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one measure, SB 73 by Senator Svantez. The author described the bill as an urgency measure intended to strengthen protections around California elections, including restrictions on law enforcement or military presence at voting locations, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on access to election materials. The chair also outlined a set of agreed-upon amendments, including removing a section to avoid conflict with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties in one section, clarifying language on vote-by-mail signature challenges, and refining provisions related to law enforcement support and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to protect voters from intimidation and to safeguard election administration from interference, citing concerns about immigration enforcement at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Additional supporters from the League of Women Voters and Common Cause registered their support. Opposition testimony from CALA argued the bill would impede legitimate investigations and federal oversight of elections, and questioned the need for the measure. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill addressed a real threat, the chain of custody for ballots, and the scope of the signature-challenge provisions. After closing remarks from the author and the chair, the committee voted to pass SB 73 and re-refer it to the Committee on Public Safety. The initial roll call was 5-1 with one member absent, and after the absent member’s vote was added, the final vote was 6-2-1. The bill advanced from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• block. at the voting block.
• members to vote for this on the ballot? members to vote for this on the ballot?
• I think that we should have a mentor system or a system in which the knowledge is passed off.
• c><00:29:55.760> in have a mentor system or uh a system in have a mentor system or uh a system
• >> Vice chair votes I. Senator Chang. >> Vice chair votes I. Senator Chang.

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully urge you to vote yes on HB 38.
• , then the reimbursements fall within that system.
• But what I know is that the fax system already exists.
• that she's going to need to be set up in a system.
• But what I know is that the fax system already exists.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for members, when we're voting, you should be on camera for that as well.
• We have four issues on which we're going to vote. And the first is Mr.
• , If you have your cameras on to vote, If you have your cameras on to vote, please.<00:08:44.000>
• taking up the Senate information systems taking up the Senate information systems policy<00:13:39.040
• All those in favor, going to vote.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed. Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed. The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved. After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.